Another agricultural show has fallen victim to the uncertainties caused by Covid-19.

Melplash Show was due to take place at The West Bay Show grounds, Bridport on Thursday, August 26 but it has been cancelled.

Organisers say that the rise in Covid-19 in Europe is a concern.

They also say that the show may not have been able to welcome as many people as usual and that government advice on large events is not due until mid-June, which leaves little notice.

Society President, Nigel Jones said: "It is with great sadness that we must announce the cancellation of our 2021 show.

"Whilst recognising the wonderful news that our nationwide lockdown efforts and the arrival of vaccination does seem to be working, nevertheless, as government has advised, we still need to be vigilant and with the serious spike in Covid in Europe we are still not immune as a nation against the virus appearing again.

"One of our biggest concerns is not being able to welcome a large enough number of visitors to our event due to restrictions imposed.

"The government have advised that further advice on our type of event will not be forthcoming until mid-June, which is too close to show day for realistic planning to take place.

"Whilst recognising that some shows have at the moment announced that they are still proceeding, the directors have concluded that the risks for our show are too great to accept, and that we are better served by concentrating on the 2022 show."

However, there will still be small events for people to get involved in. These are likely to include the garden competition, the farms and flocks competitions, Young Farmers stock judging and the hedging and ploughing match.

Nigel said: "All the directors, together with Lucy and Jasmine, are truly saddened in having to make this decision.

"Whilst recognising that this is no doubt a huge disappointment to you, the health of everyone is paramount and this will make us all even more determined to make the 2022 show the best ever."